Miami Heat Rumors: Shane Battier and Eddy Curry Make Heat Even Bigger Favorites

News that both Shane Battier and Eddy Curry are signing with the Miami Heat is bad news for other NBA contenders. Neither Battier nor Curry are NBA superstars, but they do help tremendously with one of the Heat's perceived weaknesses.

The biggest criticism of the Miami Heat is their lack of depth. I think most sensible people realize that LeBron won't underachieve forever. So, the lack of depth becomes the biggest issue for the team most call the favorites for the NBA crown.

Now, Battier can spell LeBron on his normal small forward defensive assignment, so LeBron can use his ridiculous athletic talents to slow the likes of Derrick Rose. Instead of Luol Deng now being checked by the capable but smallish Dwyane Wade or the not so capable Mike Miller, Battier will take him.

That scenario, as well as his ability to knock down open three pointers, is what makes Battier an attractive addition to the Heat lineup. 

Many groaned at the signing of Eddy Curry, but this was a awesome signing by the Heat. Curry's contract will be minimal, with an out after one year, if need be. 

Curry has been working a rigorous training regiment. His weight is now under 300 pounds, and the Heat have been monitoring his progress for over a year.

Curry has always been a good low-post scoring threat. He could be a nice lift off the bench for the Heat. He won't bring much in regards to defense, unless he is so inspired by James and Wade, but the scoring and the big body are needed.